To the Editor:
I cannot understand how local and county officials have not identified the difference between growth that strains local services versus facilities, like hospitals, that serve the people of the community. Just as we provide property tax relief to those that assist our communities, churches, hospitals, schools, municipal service properties, water, sewer and police for example, why can’t we provide the same qualified exemption for impact fees.
Hospitals provide a vital service to our community. Especially a community with so many seniors. Isn’t there a difference already established by law for the application of property tax exemptions that could be used in the same way for impact fees?
We do not seek property taxes from schools or municipal service properties because they serve the public need. We provide exemptions for charities like churches and schools that are qualified by the IRS, as charitable, not for profit organizations. So, if a hospital is a “not for profit,” qualified organization why not provide an impact fee exemption on the same criteria. No need to create a new system it already exists. However, if the hospital chooses to be a “for profit,” entity then apply the impact fee.
By considering the nature of any business and its purpose in the community, we could easily address the negatives associated with the effect of impact fees on facilities like hospitals, schools (public and private), as long as they qualify under existing IRS rules. My two cents.
Robert Nyce
Village of El Cortez
